Managing the Last Mile

A leading third party logistics (3PL) pharmaceutical shipping company was recently awarded a large contract to distribute pharmaceuticals to U.S. citizens throughout the country, and select locations abroad. Cold Chain has partnered to make this program a success by providing design, qualification, inventory management, training, and on-going audits. Customer service for this 3PL means one-on-one support every day, in every aspect of cold chain management.

Orchestrating the delivery of millions of doses of temperature-sensitive pharmacueticals is complicated, even for a leading 3PL. Cold Chain Technologies’ (CCT) Sales Engineer, along with CCT’s cold chain management design, testing, and logistics specialists have spent months collaborating to create a failsafe network with just-in-time (JIT) delivery. Now that it’s operational, CCT’s team is frequently on-site at the 3PL, and spends part of everyday supporting this account.

Without a baseline, there were unique logistical challenges in creating this cold chain system. CCT evaluated the 3PLs complex distribution needs, and designed a small number of custom-molded KoolTemp polyurethane shippers. Qualified for 2°C to 8°C for 72 hours at CCT’s testing facility, this stream-lined family of solutions supports the 3PL’s entire network of customers.

The 3PL ships from various locations, strategically supported by CCT’s manufacturing plants in Tennessee and Nevada. Here’s how it works:

  • Cold Chain manufactures custom KoolTemp™ containers, and Koolit® gel packs in Tennessee and Nevada.
  • Almost daily, these products are shipped to the 3PL.
  • Pharmaceuticals are received in bulk by the 3PL and put into storage.
  • The 3PL configures the KoolTemp™ containers, loads pre-conditioned Koolit® gel packs, and delivers these systems to the clients.

Regular on-site training takes place for proper packout, good cold chain practices, as well as education on cold chain guidelines (PCCIG, PDA, USP).

CCT’s team is constantly evaluating the 3PL’s volumes, distribution channel, ambient temperature profiles, and performance. Adding new solutions and optimizing others is an on-going process. By constantly working to further reduce packaging costs, and analyze options for more efficient freight routes, CCT is always watching both product integrity, and the 3PL’s bottom line.